Improved weather conditions combined with significant work on the ground has resulted in a major increase in containment. Firefighters aggressively extinguished hot spots from the ground and air, allowing containment to increase from 9 percent to 46 percent in the northeast corner, much of the southeast side, the southwest corner, and most of the southern flank. Minimal smoke was observed from occasional flare-ups of isolated pockets of vegetation within the interior of the fire. Dozers were used to construct two miles of contingency fire line in the northwest portion of the fire.

Tonight, lower temperatures, higher humidity, and light winds will likely result in minimal fire spread. Firefighters will be patrolling and mopping up hot spots around the fire, paying particular attention to the areas in the vicinity of the structures on the eastern flank.

While significant progress is being made, vegetation in the fire vicinity remains very dry. This dry vegetation and remaining heat within the perimeter are a continuing concern for fire managers.

The strategy for this fire is full suppression. Incident objectives include providing for the safety of firefighters and the public, while protecting values at risk.

Smoke sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

Additional fire information, maps, and photos are available on Twitter: @dogheadfireinfo and the following: